This fascinating ring is reputed to have had the lover’s eye painting in the centre done by Sir Henry Landseer, renowned British painter. Lover’s eye jewelry was meant as a secret token from one lover to another. They are very rarely identified. It sounds to me from the jeweller’s description that this could have either been painted by Landseer, or be a painting of his own eye.

“Here we have an incredibly rare antique Georgian ring featuring a detailed eye miniature in the centre hand painted by none other than Sir Edwin Henry Landseer, a renowned British artist who created a wide range of paintings and sculptures over the course of his life from 1802 – 1873.

Edwin Landseer was considered something of a prodigy in the early 19th Century and became an honouree exhibitor at the Royal Academy of arts at just 13 years old. He is recognised mainly for his exquisite animal paintings, including the famous Monarch of the Glenn. His most notable work came in the form of the iconic lion sculptures which sit at the base of Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square.

The miniature is preserved behind a glass window in a large, round 18ct gold gallery bordered with blue enamel and eight sparkling old mine cut diamonds, totalling approx. 1.2ct. It’s engraved with scrolling artistry on the back along with the signature “Eye Miniature of Sir Edwin Landseer, R.A.”.

The story of this ring is a mystery but in the 19^th Century Eye miniatures, or “Lovers’ Eyes” were a romantic jewellery trend, often gifted to spouses or secret lovers. Only the giver’s eye was painted so that their identity remained a secret to all but the receiver.”

This is made in 18k yellow gold with approximately 1.2 carats of diamonds. It is priced at £8,995.